April 2008 Adar Ii & Nisan 5768

APRIL 2008 ADAR II & NISAN 5768

PASSOVER EVENTS April 17 Last Chametz Dinner th April 17 , 2008 RSVP form, page18 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Ami April 20 You are cordially invited to join Community Seder Sonoma County’s United Synagogue Youth as we RSVP form, page18 eat all the Chametz we can!!

Italian Style… JFCS Seder Sacks Pasta, garlic bread, salad and a beverage for only $10!! page19 Children 12 and under only $5!

Please consider This is a great event for all ages!

becoming a Services – back page sponsor of this Come see the SCUSY slideshow, event with a $100 donation. Buy a couple RAFFLE tickets And get your very own

In this issue... Rabbi’s Remarks ...... page 3 Events & Announcements ...... page 4-5 April Calendar ...... page 6 President’s Page ...... page 7 Religious Practices ...... page 7 Mitzvah Moments ...... page 8 Sale of Hametz Form...... page 8 Israel from The Left Coast ...... page 9 Literary Lines ...... page 9 Religious School Report ...... page 10 Teen Time: Chaverim & USY .. page 11 Yahrzeits, Anniversaries, Birthdays ...... page12 Generous Contributions, ...... page 13 Jewish Community Events, ..... page 14 Advertisements, ...... pages 15-17 Event RSVP Form ...... page 18 Seder Sacks...... page 19 April Services ...... back page Congregation Beth Ami Hours of Operation 4676 Mayette Avenue Beth Ami Main Office Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Telephone: (707) 360-3000 Library Fax: (707) 360-3003 Monday - Thursday: 3:45 - 6 p.m. Email: [email protected] Sunday: 9:30 - 12:15 p.m. Gift Shop Website: www.BethAmiSR.org Tuesday & Thursday: 3 - 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (when Religious School is in session) Personnel Officers and Board of Directors Rabbi George Schlesinger 360-3004 [email protected] 2007-2008 Melissa Bloom, Executive Director 360-3011 [email protected] President, Andy Fleming, [email protected] Treasurer, Henry Cohn, [email protected] Sharon Benson, USY Advisor 703-4244 VP for Administration, Al Batzdorff, [email protected] [email protected] VP for Youth and Education, Rick Concoff, Chaverim Director 823-3916 Dave Ballo, [email protected] [email protected] Library Committee Chair, Karen Gould, Newsletter 360-3000 [email protected] Susanne Batzdorff, [email protected] Elizabeth Jarlsberg, Adminstrative Support 360-3000 Religious Practices Committee Chair, [email protected] Patty Bernstein, [email protected] Yaakov Mossman, Bookkeeper 360-3012 Membership Committee Chairs, [email protected] Richard Kahn and Marcia Gladstone Gabor Por, Librarian 849-7682 Bonnie Boren [email protected] Richard Lazovick Susy Raful & Helen Margolese, Gift Shop 360-3022 Martha Mazur-Lane Jean Rudy, Nursery School Director 360-3030 Susan Miller [email protected] Mark Rosen Ruth Turner, Friedman Center Director 360-3021 [email protected] Birgit Sacher Elisabeth Van Nuys, Rel. School Director 360-3000 Rabbi George Schlesinger, Member Ex Officio [email protected] Melissa Bloom, Member Ex Officio Nicole Burke, Nursery School Liaison, Member Ex Officio Call the office at 360-3000 to leave a message for: ♦Rosalie Schweit, Gift Shop Invitations ♦Patty Bernstein, Torah/Haftarah Readings ♦Francie Rogovin, Kitchen Manager ♦Andrea Nett, Catering Manager

Congregation Beth Ami Mission Statement Deadline for May Shofar: April 18 Through celebration, learning, prayer and community, All editorial submissions must be received in the Shofar box in the Beth Ami office or via email on or before the deadline. All we seek to enrich our lives, transform our hearts, submissions are subject to editing for clarity, brevity and help heal the world and sustain our Jewish heritage. content. Please submit articles as Microsoft Word documents via email attachments. Contact Karen Gould, Editor, at 360-3000 or at [email protected] with corrections, concerns or Congregation Beth Ami Vision questions. A vibrant, growing campus for Jewish living where the joys of Jewish values and rituals are made accessible The Shofar is a periodical issued monthly except for a combined June & July issue. It is published by Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 and relevant to the everyday lives of our members. Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. All members in good A flourishing, prospering congregation enjoying standing receive the periodical free. Yearly subscriptions are the wholehearted support, commitment and $25.00. involvement of all our members. This month’s issue is: Volume 13, Issue 8 Issue Date: April 1, 2008

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 2 RABBI’S REMARKS Rabbi George Schlesinger these theories for the moment, where does that leave me vis- à-vis Pesach? As most of you probably know by now, I’m rather deeply I believe that Pesach (and the Seder, of course) teach us involved with two interfaith dialog groups: SRIMA (Santa Rosa a great many truths about life, about human nature and about Interfaith Ministerial Association) where I serve as president, our purpose on this earth even if the entire story is nothing and our Jewish-Presbyterian dialog group with Rabbi Gittleman more than a fabrication. and our Presbyterian friends/colleagues. Both these groups It is a truth that humans strive for freedom. History has have been a source of strength, comfort, and spiritual suste- borne out this truth in many ways and in many eras. One has nance. In both groups, we take the time to study together only to look at the record of human behavior to know that because we feel that it is through study that we come to truly freedom has been a motivating factor throughout recorded know one another and begin to develop and understanding of history. Even most recently, the news out of Tibet and China each other. And one of the great benefits of this study has has been about the desire for freedom and self-determina- been that when I listen to the viewpoints of others, I simulta- tion. People are willing to die in the cause of freedom and neously hear similarities in our approach to our sacred texts unfortunately have, indeed, given their lives in that cause. as well as great differences. Through this realization, I’m It is a truth that as long as some people are oppressed, no better able to clarify my own approach and my own under- one is truly free. When others lack the freedoms we take for standing. granted, our ability to “proclaim liberty throughout the land” is Often these discussions come down to our approach to somehow diminished. Because (now more than ever) hu- the “truth” and “veracity” of the biblical texts. Do we accept manity is intertwined and communication is so immediate and the text as literally true or not? In these two interfaith groups, so easy, it is impossible to remain ignorant of troubles else- at least, we don’t have many fundamentalists claiming that where in the world and it is impossible to ignore the cries of the biblical text is the undisputed, undeniable, literal word of others. God. Instead, there is a general consensus that there are It is a truth that “in every generation we must see our- lessons and “truths” to be learned and that the text isn’t nec- selves as if we personally had gone free from Egypt.” By essarily the (capital “T”) Truth. imagining that we, ourselves, have been slaves and have gone For example, I don’t think anyone in these two groups free, our sensitivity to the plight of others is raised and height- believes the universe was actually created in six, twenty-four ened. And it is this truth that has been the source of our hour days…with then a seventh day as one of rest. Jewish involvement in the cause of freedom throughout the So why do I mention all this? As we approach Pesach, it centuries—both for ourselves and for others. is time once again to mention the “Truth” vs. the Truths of It is a truth that whether the miracles of the Haggadah Passover. happened or not, we Jews have seen the story of the Exodus The minimalist archaeologists tell us that there is not one as evidence of God’s involvement in our lives and God’s de- shred of evidence that the Hebrews were either slaves in Egypt sire for freedom throughout the world. We see this story as OR that there was an Exodus. There are no Egyptian sourc- evidence of God’s protection of the Jewish people and God’s es validating the Torah’s claims and there have been no dis- fulfillment of the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and coveries in the Sinai wilderness to bolster a claim of Hebrews Jacob. wandering in the desert for 40 years. And (in my mind at It is a truth that when we read/sing the Dayenu, we know least) to further complicate matters, both while in Egypt last that while according to tradition, even though Jewish destiny January and in my reading before the trip, I learned that most isn’t fulfilled until the last stanza (bringing us to Israel and Egyptologists believe that the great building projects of Egypt— establishing the ancient Temple as the center of Jewish wor- from the pyramids to the great temples and storehouse cit- ship), we should be thankful for every measure of goodness ies—were built by free labor and not by slaves. Most ancient and bounty that we experience in the world, that a thankful Egyptians were farmers and during the five or six months that and appreciative heart is at the core of a contented and happy the Nile overflowed its banks and covered everything with silt individual. It is a truth that being content with one’s lot in life and mud, there was nothing for these farmers to do and so is the key to great spiritual riches and wealth. they were more than willing to work on the great building There are other truths that can be found within the pages projects to honor Pharaoh as well as the gods. It is believed, of the Haggadah and the story of the Exodus, and it is up to us therefore, that there was very little need for massive numbers to search for them and to apply them in our lives. of slaves. As I prepare to depart for the first half of my mini-sab- I’m in no position to comment upon the veracity of either batical (I’ll return mid-July), I want to wish all of you a very the current trends in Egyptology or in biblical archaeology joyous, happy Pesach, and may you find within the story the (where is my Time Machine when I need it?), but if I accept truths that give meaning and direction to your life. Chag Kasher v’Same’ach

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 3 Events & Announcements

Save the date for Israel Rosh Chodesh Nisan In honor of Israel’s upcoming 60th birthday, April 6 we at Beth Ami are putting together a If Purim has passed, can Pesach be special weekend—May 2-4—in which far behind? Join the Rosh Chodesh we will celebrate our beloved Israel in women for a final fling with chametz many ways, beginning with a delicious Israeli Shabbat dinner on Sunday, April 6 at 11 a.m. in the on Friday night. It will be very special, so put it on your Friedman Center. We’ll enjoy a calendars now! potluck bagel brunch (bagels and Welcome to our newest member “fixin’s” will be provided) as we welcome the new month of Nisan, talk about women at Passover, and begin to make the Pat Thomas. transition from our ordinary “chametz” lives to the traditions and rituals of Passover. Please bring a brunchy snack to share and non-perishable ATTENTION AMAZON.COM SHOPPERS chametz to donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. You can now link to Amazon via our website All Jewish women are invited ... synagogue affiliation not and Beth Ami will earn up to 10% in referral fees required. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you! on all qualifying purchases. Go to www.bethamisr.org and click on Amazon.

Ongoing programs at Congregation Beth Ami Book Discussion Group HE RIENDSHIP CIRCLE EXERCISE CLASS meets ♦T JCC F We meet on the first Wednesday and Fridays in the Beth Ami Social Hall from Wednesday of each month 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Congregation Beth Ami. If you would like to join our SRAELI OLK ANCING, TUESDAYS, 7 p.m., Friedman ♦I F D group, we can always make room for a few more. For Center. For more info contact Leanne Schy at 528-4874 or information call Susanne Batzdorff at 538-9731 [email protected]. On March 5 our topic was Palestinian Lover. Ethel Schy bravely led this discussion. Opinions were divided. Rabbi Schlesinger will be on sabbatical from April 15 While most agreed that this book was not up to our usual - July 15. His April classes are listed below. Classes will standard of literary quality, we learned something about resume in mid-July. Jewish-Arab relations in pre-state Palestine. TORAH STUDY: Thursday, April 3, 7 p.m. DULT NAI ITZVAH CLASS: Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m. A B’ M Our program continues as follows: TORAH STUDY: Tuesday, April 8, 10 a.m. TALMUD STUDY: Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m. April 2: The Yiddish Policemen's Union May 7: Panther in the Basement June 4: Suite Française July 2: Freedom: The Story of My Second Life Sincere condolences from Beth Ami to Audrey Darby on the death of her cousin, Paul Blatt.

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 4 Events & Announcements

Are you on eSCRIP? Why not? DO YOU NEED HELP TO NAVIGATE THE WEBSITE? Call Nancy Sherman at 538-9388 or email [email protected] for help. DO YOU NOT KNOW THE WEBSITE AND ID NUMBER? Go to www.eScrip.com, “sign up” and designate Congregation Beth Ami in Santa Rosa, ID#136921119. DO YOU NOT KNOW YOUR SAFEWAY CLUB CARD NUMBER? Call or email Nancy. www.eScrip.com ARE YOU NOT SURE IF YOU SHOP AT THE RIGHT MERCHANTS? Check the website or call/email Nancy. DO YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS? Check the website or call/email Nancy. We are hoping to add at least 50 new eScrip participants by June. We hope you’ll be one of them! Why not? ~Nancy Sherman

Purim at preschool The Jewish Community of Sonoma County Will observe its annual Yom Hashoah Commemoration (Holocaust Memorial) Dor L’Dor Passing the Flame of Memory To a New Generation A Memorial to Those who Perished A Celebration of Survivors’ Lives Sunday, May 4, 2008 · 2 p.m. The Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa

Program Highlights: Guest speaker: Dr. Debbie Findling, noted Holocaust and teen educator. Led March of the Living groups for ten years. Co-author of “Teaching the Holocaust.” Featured speaker, Miriam Susan Dregey, who survived as a hidden child Candle lighting ceremony by local survivors A remembrance pledge by local youth Cantorial solos, niggun, and songs Yiddish songs of remembrance

Dr. Debbie Findling Presentation by Susy Raful Essay Contest winner Beth Ami Community Nursery School Sponsored by the Jewish Community Agency of Sonoma County, with the cooperation of the Alliance for the preschoolers celebrate Study of the Holocaust, all Sonoma County Synagogues, and the Jewish Community Federation. Hands Purim in the Social Hall. photo by Murray Rockowitz.

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 5 April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 6 President’s Page Andy Fleming, President

Abraham, Sarah, and us

Nowhere in the Torah does it say that Abraham and Sarah asked their guests to join the synagogue. For hospitality to be genuine, it must be offered without condition. ~Rabbi Larry Bach, Temple Mt Sinai, El Paso, TX

Over the past several months, I have written about several as guests can find true meaning in a welcoming and committed issues that I believe are important for Beth Ami. These include Jewish community. They move from a perspective of the strengthening our committee system, developing leadership in visitor and stranger, to that of the owner and proprietor. If the our community, establishing financial stability, and strengthening community is one that can embrace the guest as one of its relationships among our members. But I have asked our Board own, then the stranger will embrace the community. to focus much of its energy on one major concern: how do we That is our constant challenge. If we apply the make Beth Ami a community that welcomes and includes fundamental Jewish value of welcoming the stranger, we will anyone who wants to engage with Judaism? I continue to transform our synagogue. And ourselves. believe that if we can create such a synagogue, we will find solutions to all of the other issues that concern us. What do I mean by “welcoming and including”? I believe that this is something that Beth Ami already does well. It is in fact one of our strengths. We should continue to expand our vision of “what Jews look like,” and celebrate the diversity within Judaism. Jews are intermarried, they are unaffiliated, they may not have been born Jewish, they come in all shapes and sizes, and are from all different types of families and households. We need to “meet them where they are,” and should welcome them to Beth Ami no matter where they are Religious Practices on their Jewish journey. And we must do this sincerely, with Patty Bernstein, RP Chair no expectations or agendas. We miss them already! Sharing what we love about Beth Ami and our Jewish We’ve known that Rabbi and Paula’s vacation and community is key to providing a warm welcome. We should sabbatical were coming for quite a while; yet, now that it strive to make it easy for people to participate at Beth Ami. is almost upon us, we’re missing them already. From April This is called “lowering the barriers” to participation. Barriers 13 to July 15, we’ll be “on our own” in a manner of may include cost, or how much Hebrew a person knows. Or speaking. However, there’s been a lot of behind-the-scenes it could simply be that we don’t have signs around our building. planning for these next three months—much of it done by Our committed members need to continually look outward and Rabbi Schlesinger! provide support and welcome to those who are interested, but Please know that services will continue on our same unsure. We need to think of outreach “not as a membership regular and holiday schedules, our Beth Ami community drive, but rather the providing of free and open access… to seder will be held with a most knowledgeable leader at the our Jewish communal activities.” (This is one of the Ten helm, and all bases (we hope) will be covered. I hope that Principles of Big Tent Judaism, a coalition of Jewish each of you will welcome our interim rabbinic and lay organizations of all types dedicated to creating a welcoming leaders and that you’ll participate in services with the same Jewish community for all). (or increased) enthusiasm as always. We have a wonderful So if we give all of our programs and services away, how opportunity for growth here and I hope that we’ll each try do we survive as an institution, as a business? If we welcome pushing our own personal comfort zones and venturing into everybody who wants to “be Jewish” as our guests, what is some new areas, increasing our strength. As we do so, I the motivation for anyone to support the synagogue – to become know that we can be assured of the acceptance and members? encouragement of the community. Rabbi Bach, who is quoted at the top of this column (and Have a wonderfully enlightening (shall I say, “re-jew- who presides over a synagogue that does not charge for High venating”) time away, Rabbi and Paula. We look forward Holiday tickets), explains it this way. The people who begin to your safe return to our congregation.

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 7 Mitzvah Moments Dear Friends, Tish Levee If you wish to sell your Hametz for the duration of Pesach, please do one of the following: Ma’ot Hittin––The Wheat Fund “When Purim comes, can Pesach be far behind?” It’s time 1) Cut out this form and fax it (with the to clean out our cupboards and get ready for Passover. When names and addresses) to the synagogue getting rid of our chametz, donate unopened packages to at 707/360-3003. the Food Bank––the barrels are still in the lounge. Whether 2) Cut out this form and bring it to the synagogue you sell your chametz through the Rabbi or not, it’s a mitzvah office. to donate to Ma’ot Hittin, to help those who need help making Pesach. And don’t forget to invite a guest or two to We must have your form by 4 p.m. on our seder. Thursday, April 17, 2008 in order to be included in the sale for this year. P’kuach Nefesh––Saving a Life April is National Donate Life Month. If you aren’t already Sale of Hametz for Pesach registered as a posthumous organ donor, do so now. You Agency Appointment can go to http://www.ctdn.org/ to register. It only takes a minute. Eligibility criteria are constantly expanding, so I hereby appoint Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David, (Rabbi Schlesinger’s register regardless of your age or health; then let your family agent) to be my agent for the purpose of selling my Hametz. I members know you did it. understand that Rabbi Bar-David will select a purchaser of his choice for this sale. I understand that the sale will be conditionally Bikur Cholim––Visiting the Sick consummated at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008. I understand Send a Passover card to someone on the Mi’shebarakh list. that Rabbi Bar-David will demand a deposit from the purchaser st Make sure you call the office the 1 of every month to put to be transmitted to him by 10 a.m. on Friday, April 18, 2008, people on the list. (It starts over each month.) How about with the balance of payment to be received by 8:45 p.m.on arranging to visit someone over Pesach and bring them a Sunday, April 27, 2008. I understand that if the balance due for Passover treat or two? my sale of Hametz has not been remitted to Rabbi Bar-David by 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2008 that the sale will be Tikkun Olam––Repairing the World cancelled by virtue of the condition of full payment not being A lot of times it doesn’t seem that our individual actions met, and that the Hametz then will automatically revert to my make a real difference, but when we combine them with ownership at that time. I accept the definition of Hametz as each other’s actions, it really does. Some examples: set by Jewish law and tradition (i.e., leavening, leavened ¾ If just 1 million people cut down on their trash by products, and leavening processes). I understand that under 10%(reduce, reuse and recycle), we could reduce no circumstances may I use, or benefit from, Hametz from 10 yearly CO2 emissions by up to 50,000 tons. a.m. Friday, April 18, 2008 until 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, ¾ If every California home replaced five light bulbs with 2008. CFLs, it would equal taking 400,000 cars off the road. If every U.S. home did this, it would be like 4,000,000 Name______fewer cars on the highway. ¾ Buy local produce and other food. Dr. Debora Address(es)______Hammond at SSU says, “the average food item travels roughly 1500 miles,” travel overwhelmingly ______powered by fossil fuels. ¾ Pay bills online. PGE estimates that for every 38,500 This form must be signed and returned (or faxed) no later bills paid online annually, 1 ton of paper and 20.5 than Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 4 p.m. gallons of water are saved, 3.4 tons of trees are Fax: 707/360-3003 preserved, and 2300 lbs. of solid waste and 5700 lbs. of greenhouse gases are avoided. Note this is for *With the sale of Hametz, it is customary to make a donation considerably less than 1/1000th of PGE’s 14 million to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund for the purpose of Ma’ot customers and just for that company. Think what we Hittin…providing the wherewithal for the needy to make a can accomplish if only 10% of us start receiving and proper Seder. paying our bills online.

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 8 Israel from the Left Coast Literary Lines Bob Raful Gabor Por, Librarian

Here is a good introduction, which explains my approach to this As you prepare for the celebration of Passover this monthly attempt at highlighting Israeli life (I saw it on one of my year may I suggest a visit to the library! You can choose favorite Israel websites): from dozens of books on the topic, including five I do not write about the issues that draw the attention of the academic introductions from various perspectives. The local and world-wide media—the continuing diplomatic quest for 22 different Haggadot we have will satisfy any taste. peace amidst a deteriorating situation on the ground the rocket strikes If you want to spice up your Seder, to make it different on Israeli cities and towns; and the Israel response, answered by from previous years, consult the vegetarian Seder or another response; the constant political turmoil; etc. the one with the liberated lamb. If you want to have a Exhibit Number One for this month—another item, probably visual feast to go along with your epicurean one take a not well covered by the media, which I found on yet another of my look at the facsimile edition of the 1492 Sarajevo favorite websites: Haggadah, or the many others, illustrated by artists Israeli Government Deepens Cooperation with throughout modernity, including Marc Chagall and Saul Philanthropic Organizations–March 11, 2008 Raskin. The Israeli government has recognized the vital role that non- We also have 24 Passover-themed books for profit organizations play in Israeli society and has adopted a number children. They cover the whole spectrum from toddler of measures to formalize its relationship with philanthropic endeavors to teenager and from simple storytelling to complex and enhance cooperation. ethical questions. Make it a memorable holiday this “The new policy signals a profound turning point in government year for the little one by reading with him or her. thinking about non-profit organizations,” explained Raanan Dinur, If you are more of an auditory type, i.e. you enjoy Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office. listening just as much as reading; get one of our five According to Professor Benjamin Gidron, Director of the Israeli audiotapes for the holiday. You can hear songs both Center for Third Sector Research and School of Management at from the Oriental and the Ashkenazi tradition on them, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, the Israeli government stories masterfully told or even an audio guide to help recognizes the important contribution that non-profit organizations you through the Seder night. make to Israeli society and understands the need for dialogue and Finally, if you are a visual person, meaning you cooperation. like movies, borrow any of our four related VHS tapes. “There are more than 25,000 non-profit organizations operating Watching the two animated features could be fun for in Israel,” he explains, “which are responsible for 13.5 percent of the whole family: one of them is with the Rugrats and the economic activity in Israel and these numbers are increasing all the other is a claymation. If you prefer an explanatory the time, so it is difficult for the government to ignore the third sector.” video, detailing the habits and customs of the holiday, Professor Gidron, says that most of Israel’s non-profit we have that too, not to mention a video with superb organizations provide services, while hundreds are social change performances of Passover music and songs. organizations. No matter what your Passover related information Twenty years ago there were only 2,500 active organizations in needs are or what kind of media you enjoy the most, this sector, most related to political parties and public institutions. we have it covered. Gidron says that the new government policy is the fruit of behind- To keep updated with the world of the library the-scenes negotiations by a joint government-third sector committee check out and subscribe to our blog via email at set up in 2000. www.bethamisr.org/library. The new government policy includes: ¾ A newly established council for exchanging information, which Library Hours: will provide a ‘roundtable’ for discussions and consultations. Sunday: 9:30-12:30 p.m. ¾ A data bank on all philanthropic organizations based on the Monday-Thursday: 3:45-6 p.m. U.S. Guide Star model, which will encourage transparency. Or call Ruth Rosenberg at ¾ An increase in tax benefits for donors to non-profit 544-2919 for an appointment organizations. ¾ A greater priority in government funding to non-profit organizations providing social services. ¾ A special unit in the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate cooperation with non-profit organizations. The unit will begin with an annual budget of $555,000.

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 9 Religious School Report Elisabeth Van Nuys, RS Director

Words of Torah are difficult to acquire, precious like gold and rare metal; but like fragile glass, easily broken and lost. ~ Hagigah 15a

Torah is at the center of our history, our continuance, our embroidery is. They’ve never seen it! And that, in a very values, our very identity. Torah means “teaching” and that is small way, points to a huge generational gap, one that can what it has been and continues to be. Or, that’s what it’s only get larger. supposed to be. But, what if the Torah were written in a This is possibly the first generation, in history, that has language no one understood anymore? What if the words not seen someone embroider, or weave, or cast something were completely alien and meaningless? What if the Torah in a mold. The world is changing rapidly. Is it any wonder was written in a lost language? How would we regard it that our understanding and use of words is changing too? then? We are losing words that past generations understood Now at this point some comedian will point out that the because those words were part of their experiences. They Torah is written in an alien and incomprehensible language are no longer part of ours. So what do we do now? How do – Hebrew! Well, we’re working on that in our Religious we achieve comprehension and relevance? School. Hebrew is certainly not unfamiliar to our children, We strive to make it real! We bring in samples of not even to our Kindergarteners. Hebrew is still the glue embroidery. We cast and mold using clay and jello molds. that binds diverse Jewish communities all over this planet We bring in spices to smell and textures to feel. We have into one community with one shared language. But is that built a model of the mishkan and we have created a large enough? menorah (in the window of my office) according to There is, I believe, a new and very real threat to the instructions in the Torah. We have held a “talent” show during Torah and its ability to be understood. I haven’t heard anyone our recess because when Moses gave an accounting of the talk about it yet, but I would like to put it out there today and precious metals used to create the mishkan, the results were see what you think about it. in “talents” and shekels. Both are units of weight, with a If you read the past two issues of the Shofar, you know talent equal to 75 pounds. The students weighed themselves that we have added yet another component of our busy to see if they weighed a “talent.” Now they know “talent.” curriculum. Every week, we discuss the weekly parsha, at If this is what it will take to make the words of Torah relevant an age-appropriate level, with our students. By the time to another generation, then we will do it. There is a good they become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, they will have been precedent in the Torah. As the children of Israel said to exposed to six or seven cycles of the yearly Torah readings. Moses: “Na’aseh v’nishma.” We will do and we will To save the teachers a bit of time, I compile some information understand.

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words of the Torah, not just in Hebrew, but in English. 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345

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April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 10 Chaverim Update Your USY Sharon Benson, USY Youth Advisor

Sonoma County’s teen group continues with their regular on- CBA’s Last Chametz Night presented by SCUSY going dinner and discussion meetings with Chaverim Director You are cordially invited to join Sonoma County’s United Rick Concoff. Synagogue Youth as we partake in our Last Chametz Night, Special events for March included Game Night at CHOPS April 17 for an Italian dinner! We will serve pasta, garlic on March 2 and Mitzvah Day at Santa Rosa Creek on March bread, salad and a beverage (all the Chametz you can 9. The creek clean-up was in conjunction with Shomrei Torah’s imagine) for only $10. Children 12 and under are only $5. Environmental Action Committee. It was a spectacular This is a great event for all ages! success, and Chaverim made a huge contribution to that Come see the SCUSY slide show, buy a couple of $1 success, drawing in about 40 pairs of hands, counting the raffle tickets, and get your very own Bedikat Chametz Kit Chaverim members and their friends and family. Teens were for only $2. assigned a challenging, steeply sloped section of the creek, To reserve now please visit the SCUSY website at and went after it with high energy, producing an impressively www.scusynf.com, use the RSVP form on page 18 or come huge pile of garbage bags full of stuff that does not belong in by Congregation Beth Ami’s office. a creek. Congratulations, Chaverim, we are so proud of you. Please consider becoming a sponsor of this event with a $100 donation. This is a fundraiser for SCUSY and for Social Upcoming Events Action Tikkun Olam (SATO, Tzedakah). Friday night services and year-end blast For more information, contact Sharon Benson, SCUSY Friday, April 25 Youth Advisor at 707/478-2663 or [email protected]. Shomrei Torah Chaverim teens will participate in Friday night services services and will stay on for a Shabbaton/Year End Blast sleepover at Shomrei Torah. And 10 makes a minyan! Sample Chaverim class with Rick Concoff The Religious Practices Committee has received Sunday, April 27, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. suggestions that we restart morning services on a Congregation Beth Ami th somewhat regular basis. Since we had only three regular 7 graders are invited to this special event to learn about participants when we decided to take the patient off life- Chaverim, Sonoma County’s Jewish teen group. They will support, we have decided to go slowly and are testing the meet Rick Concoff, Director of Chaverim, as well as other waters before going back to our previous schedule. We’d Jewish teens from around the county, and find out why they like to try for a once-a-month minyan (on the first should consider joining Chaverim next year. It is not necessary Thursday of each month) at 7:30 a.m. in the Friedman to be affiliated with a synagogue or any other Jewish th Chapel. organization to join. For more information about the 7 grade In order to even begin this endeavor, we are asking for sample class, or about joining Chaverim for any teen, contact a firm commitment from at least 15 people that they will Rick Concoff 477-9196 or [email protected]. attend each month. That means that unless you are out of town or in the hospital (almost), you will be at that first Looking ahead to May Thursday service. The community-wide commemoration of Holocaust Day is Rabbi Schlesinger told the story of a tiny town of just on Sunday, May at 2 p.m.at the Friedman Center. Chaverim 10 Jews, who had a daily minyan—until the 11th Jew moved will participate in the annual teens’ Remembrance Pledge. in. From that point on, someone always thought that there would be enough others to make a minyan, so their Pool Party attendance wasn’t so important. The tiny town of 11 Jews Join USY for swimming, dinner and havdalah: lost their daily minyan. May 8: 8th grade Believe me, every one counts. How about you? If you May10: 9th - 12th grades are willing to commit to a monthly morning minyan, please contact Patty Bernstein (546-6043 or [email protected]) right away. We’ll let you know when (if) the first monthly service will take place. ~Patty Bernstein

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 11 April Yahrzeits Secular dates correspond to Hebrew date of death Observance of yahrzeit begins at sundown the previous day All yahrzeits observed at Beth Ami

Announced on April 4th and April 5th Announced on April 25th and 26st Funds available for April 6 Helen Goldman April 23 Rosemary Friedman Jewish education 1st wife of Benny Friedman, Sister of Lillian Judd Mark Rosen, CJEEF Coordinator Mother of William Friedman, April 7 Rae Abrams The Children’s Jewish Education Mother of Debra Chapman Mother of Patty Bernstein Endowment Fund (CJEEF) has funds April 23 Harry Estrin April 8 Morris Estrin available to distribute as stipends to Uncle of Charlene Bornstein Uncle of Charlene Bornstein provide students and faculty with Jewish April 23 Harry Rubin April 8 Rachel Jones educational opportunities. Uncle of Elizabeth Stalker Grandmother of Ross Jones Requests for financial assistance Brother of David Rubin April 9 Yvonne Abrams during the 2007-2008 congregational April 24 Nathan Hershman Sister-in-Law of Patty Bernstein school year can be submitted to the Father of Bill Sommers April 10 Shai Ben Zalman synagogue office Monday-Friday, 10 April 25 Morris Abrams Father of Leo Gurevitch a.m. – 4 p.m. until Erev Rosh Hashanah Grandfather of Patty Bernstein (September 12, 2007). th th April 25 Betty Katz Announced on April 11 and 12 Look for more information in the May Mother of Audrey Darby April 12 Dora Altaras Shofar. Mother of Ety Dranow April 12 Benjamin Miller April Birthdays Father of Susan Miller 1 Asher Nathan 18 Barbara Tomin April 14 Ben Glass 1 John Rosenbach 19 Barbara Whitaker Father of Gussie Levine 3 Ety Dranow 20 Martha Lane April 16 Jacqueline Joan Rubin 4 Miriam Wald 21 Phyllis Shapiro Wife of David Rubin & Mother of 4 Phil Zeidman 21 Lawrence Wallcave Elizabeth Stalker 5 Kim Solomon 22 Karen Gould April 18 Maklouf Oiknine 6 Alan Krubiner 26 Bonnie Sudler Father of Therese Becraft 6 John Leipsic 27 Ross Jones 7 Staci Leipsic 27 Birgit Sacher th th Announced on April 18 and 19 7 Sylvia Marlin 28 Betty Franks April 20 Elizavyeta M. Gaiger 10 Joan Schloss 28 Jeffrey Stein-Larson Mother of Marina Voulfson 11 Lester Schweit 30 Jon Batzdorff April 20 Joseph Zygielbaum 13 Elizabeth Jarlsberg Father of Paul Zygielbaum 13 Richard Lazovick April Anniversaries April 21 Max Newman 12 David Kerben & Claire Miller Father-in-Law of Edith Newman 26 Susan Miller & Gerald Lakins

Simcha Board • Tree of Life

Honor thy mother...also thy aunt, uncle, cousin, child, best friend, teacher with an engraved leaf on our Simcha Board commemorating any joyous occasion, bestowal of an honor, or cause for thanksgiving. • Leaf $360 • Small Stones $1000 • Large Stones $2500 •

We also provide the opportunity for you to memorialize loved ones on our Yahrzeit Board. A plaque is $450.

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 12 Generous Contributions to our Congregation The next time you are looking for a meaningful way to celebrate a joyous occasion, remember a loved one, or comfort a mourner, please consider a donation to Congregation Beth Ami. When you make a gift, a card is send to the honoree or the family and your donation is proudly acknowledged in the Shofar. The minimum donation for each occasion is $7.50. Congregation Beth Ami truly appreciates your support.

CJEEF In honor of Bonnie Boren for In honor of Miriam Rubinstein’s RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of the birth of Rabbi & warmly greeting everyone at birthday Speedy recovery to my friends Paula’s new granddaughter Shabbat services when Julia Tish Levee Sylvia and Elsie Rich Mark Rosen celebrated becoming a Bat Evey Abramowitz Mitvah. HARRIS FUND In memory of my father, Haskel GENERAL FUND Susan Milstein & In appreciation of Ed & Nancy Pipkin In memory of my aunt, Anne Elliot Morrison Sherman’s kindness Sheyna Bakman Rothenberg In memory of Rochelle Adler, Vivian Frye In memory of Maria Zelichenok, Anne Mann Beatrice Dzik and Sam Dzik Boruch Zelichenok, and Nichama In memory of Polly Boyd Judith Dzik LIBRARY FUND Rivkin Betty Boyd & Eli Cohen In memory of Edward S. Susnow, In honor of Al & Susanne Rimma & Adolph Rivkin In honor of Al & Susanne Nancy’s father Batzdorff In memory of my father, Harold Batzdorff and their wonderful Nancy & Andy Fleming Barbara Branagan Kafton contributions to our community Mazal Tov to Billy & Suzie For Al & Susanne Batzdorff - Alan Kafton In honor of Dave Ballo’s Friedman on the arrival of their Congratulations! We appreciate In memory of Eleanor birthday new grandson your dedication to our Jewish Greensweig community Vivian Frye Mazel Tov to the Van Nuys In honor of Rabbi & Paula Bernice Fox & Ed Harman In memory of my parents family on the arrival of their new Schlesinger’s granddaughter In honor of Al & Susanne Barbara Branagan granddaughter Barbara & Gary Batzdorff A thoughtful donation The Ballo Family Greensweig Darrell Watkins Ronald & Janice Merrill In memory of my father In memory of Elaine’s parents, Batzdorff In honor of Marcia Gladstone Josephine & Mannie Goldstein Norma O’Brien In honor of Al & Susanne In honor of Isaac Kreger’s Bar for helping Julia learn to read In memory of Melba Sacks, Batzdorff and their contributions Mitzvah Torah and for creating her aunt of Elaine & Sherrill to Beth Ami and the Jewish The Brosbe Family beautiful tallit Elaine & Sherrill Golemb community Congratulations to Rabbi & Paula In honor of Elisabeth Van In memory of Allie Wald’s sister, Tish Levee Schlesinger on the birth of their Nuys and Rabbi Schlesinger for Joell Rogofsky In memory of Barbara Garam granddaughter helping Julia prepare to celebrate Tish Levee Jon & Rose Batzdorff Doris & Irwin Langer becoming a Bat Mitzvah In appreciation of Ruth Turner In appreciation of Rabbi In honor of Jose Espinoza and and Melissa Bloom for helping MALK FUND Schlesinger’s help with Isaac’s Francie Rogovin for their help in with Isaac’s Bar Mitzvah In memory of Barbara Bar Mitzvah setting up the synagogue for In appreciation of Karen Dennis-Matts In appreciation of Elisabeth Shabbat services Gould helping with Isaac’s Phyllis & Everett Shapiro Van Nuys’ instruction & In honor of Bob Raful for his program In honor of the Schlesinger’s help in organizing and new granddaughter guidance with Isaac’s Bar In appreciation of Bob Raful’s Mitzvah orchestrating the Torah honors Speedy recovery to Howard help in organizing Isaac’s Bar The Kreger Family In honor of Melissa Bloom for Mitzvah Moss jumping into her new job as The Ballo Family The Kreger Family RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND executive director and helping us In memory of Ethel’s mother, In honor of Everett & Phyllis A thoughtful donation prepare for Julia to celebrate Frieda Goldman Shapiro’s grandson’s Bar Mitzvah - Darrell Watkins becoming a Bat Mitzvah wishing you all the very best In honor of Isaac Kreger’s Bar In honor of the birth of Elisabeth Greta Winter In honor of Andrea Nett and Mitzvah Van Nuys’ granddaughter In memory of Phil Feingold her team for a delicious and Ethel & Stuart Schy Yona Miller & Family Vivian & Irvin Klein beautifully displayed kiddush In honor of Everett & Phyllis In appreciation of Marcia luncheon Shapiro’s grandson’s Bar Gladstone making Isaac’s tallis NURSERY SCHOOL FUND In honor of Karen Gould for Mitzvah and helping our family prepare for In memory of my mother, Claire her gorgeous decorations and Marilyn Diamond his Bar Mitzvah Abrahams her unfailing support and In memory of Stan Diamond In appreciation of Andrea Nett Ellen Brosbe friendship Lauren & and all the great feasts she Michael Newman prepared for Isaac’s Bar Mitzvah! The Kreger Family April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 13 JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS Jewish Community Center, Sonoma County Friendship Circle Luncheons at Congregation Beth Ami ♦Monday, April 7, 12 p.m. Happiness is an Inside Job with Sylvia Boorstein ♦Monday, April 28, 12 p.m. Rabbi Jack Gabriel How to Have Fun in Your Spirituality The fee for the luncheons: $8.00 for members of Friendship Circle $10 for non-members. This includes lunch and dessert. Payment is accepted at the door. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Call Fran Danoff 528-1476 to save your place.

Making the Omer Count: A Teen Evening of Exploration in the Jewish Mystical Tradition Saturday, May 17, 7-10 p.m. Chops Teen Center, 509 Adams Street, Santa Rosa This evening will begin with Havdalah and will incorporate powerful Hebrew chanting, brief meditation, yoga/movement and drumming/music as well as delicious food. Percussion instruments will be provided for the drum circle.This event is brought to you by the JCC Meditation Program and the Sonoma County Jewish Youth Commission—SCJYC— a group committed to providing quality innovative Jewish programming to the Youth of Sonoma County. For more information contact: Dr. Sheila Katz, Director, JCC Meditation Program 528-4222 or email: [email protected]

Camp Chai 2008: A summer day camp for children K through 9th grade Session: 1 Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1 Theme: Celebrating Israel. Join us for a week celebrating Israel, from early immigration, pioneers and farming, to celebrating independence and Israel’s 60th! This week includes arts and crafts, sports, and a full day at Finley Park enjoying a BBQ lunch and swimming. The week ends with challah baking and a special Shabbat celebration. Session 2: Monday August 4 – Friday, August 8 Theme: Shmirat Hagoof – taking care of the body. This busy week includes a trip to Howarth Park, our own Maccabi games, challah baking and Shabbat.Wednesday of this session is a special day and overnight at Doran Beach Regional Park. Tuition is $275 per session • 10% sibling discount • Scholarships available. Please complete a separate registration form for each child. A $50 registration fee per camper is required to reserve each child’s space. Fee is applicable towards tuition. Brochures are available in the Beth Ami office; at the JCC website: www.jccsoco.org; or by calling Beth at 528-2549.

The River Choir, directed by Sonia Best-selling Author, Translator and Storyteller Tubridy, on April 6, will include a Michael Wex, Scholar-in-Residence capella works from the Renaissance to April 12 & 13 the present; motets by Palestrina, Di Lasso, Tomkins and Schein; a set of Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road madrigals; works by Brahms and Dvorak; American works by Billings, SATURDAY, APRIL 12: Hawley and McCullough; and, Israeli choral selections. In addition, 10:30 a.m. Lecture, Kiddush, Light Lunch Gael Reed, soprano, will sing a selection of opera arias. Daytsh Afselakhis (German in Spite of the Germans: The Jewish Roots of Yiddish) May 18 Chamber Music June 8 Music Matters 7:30 p.m., Lecture, Discussion, Book Signing — All concerts are Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Friedman Center. Don’t Knock Me a Teakettle: Strange Yiddish Single concert admission price is $18. For information or to place Expressions and How They Got That Way orders please call 538-1899 or email [email protected]. Mail Orders: Absolute Music, 3051 Las Mesita Court, Santa Rosa, CA SUNDAY, APRIL 13: 95405 8:30 a.m. Lecture and Brunch—It Should Happen to My Enemies: The Yiddish View of Life

JEWISH COMMUNITY CONTACTS

Hadassah, ROSE ANN PREMI ...... 537-9208 Jewish Community Relations Council ...... 415/957-1551 Hillel, DAVID RUBINSTEIN ...... 795-5464 SUZAN BERNS Jewish Community Federation ...... 568-6207 Jewish Family & Children’s Services ...... 571-8131 JNF-Trees in Israel, SHEVI POSMAN ...... 535-8805 DIANA KLEIN Jewish Community Free Clinic ...... 585-7780 Jewish Community Center ...... 528-4222 DONNA WALDMAN BETH GOODMAN Jewish Community Info & Referral ...... 877/777-5247 (ALL AREA CODES ARE 707 UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE) JUDY MUSANTE

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 14 9OUR%NTERTAINMENT3PECIALISTS ´7KH0LW]YDK'-Vµ s$*Ss+ARAOKEs'AME3HOW s#ASINO'AMING0ARTIES 2QHRID.LQG(QWHUWDLQPHQW)RU 2QHRID.LQG0LW]YDKV WWWAMSWINECOUNTRYCOM

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April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 15 ASK JCIR The Friedman Center Warming up for Passover? Want to host or learn more about has everything you need for any special event. the Seder? You can ask JCIR more than four questions: Ask us about: Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, ♦The Four Questions, Dr. Seuss style ♦Top ten places to hide (and find) the afikomen weddings, receptions, banquets, ♦Passover humor, rebus, skits and games to encourage fundraisers up to 465 people. participation ♦ E-cards State-of-the art audio and visual systems, ♦Medieval, traditional and original Passover songs ♦Passover food, including international charoset recipes perfect acoustics. ♦Places to buy seder plates, haggadot, matza and Full stage with theatrical lighting, Passover foods ♦Community seders, nearby, and out of town 6500 sq. ft. ballroom. For everything you want to know about Passover, call JCIR 415-775-4545 or toll free within the San Francisco area 877- Ample parking. 777-JCIR (5247) or email [email protected] or visit www.jholidays.org and www.planitjewish.com and www.bayjews.org Ruth Turner, Director, 360-3021 Jewish Community Information and Referral is a service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Monday - Thursday, Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties. www.sfjcf.org 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 16 NORTH BAY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, INC. Earnings Devoted to Philanthropy JOHN LEIPSIC, MD & ASSOCIATES THE POWER OF INTEGRATED TREATMENT FOR KIDS, TEENS AND FAMILIES SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL CHEVRA KADISHA Psychiatric evaluation, medication management and psychological testing 1501 Divisadero Street 3415 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Psychotherapy for children, adolescents and adults San Francisco, CA 94115 Lafayette, CA 94549 (415) 921-3636 (925) 962-3636 Experienced and competent clinicians FD 262 www.sinaichapel.org FD 1523 Intake Information – 542-8979 pre-need funeral arrangements available 1421 Guerneville Road, Suite 114 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Gene B. Kaufman, Executive Director www.nbbhealth.com

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Honoring your traditions with orthodox caskets, burial containers and Tahara Services. Santa Rosa Memorial Park Concerned about the cost of funeral services? 1900 Franklin Avenue, Santa Rosa Don’t be. Pre-need planning lets you control costs by Every life is worth loving and remembering ~ always… protecting today’s prices. Compare and save. Dedicated lawns and services for Beth Ami families. Ask us how to secure the price of cemetery property with pre-need planning. Call today ~ 542-1580 COA 107 CR 171 FD 240 & 1779

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 17 CONGREGATION BETH AMI EVENT RSVP FORM ADULT: 13+ YEARS OLD; YOUTH 6-12 YEARS OLD

YES, WE’D LOVE TO ATTEND SHABBAT DINNER Friday, April 4 Friday, May 2: Celebrate Israel @ 60 with a delicious Israeli meal! Friday, June Tickets: Adult: $14 #_____@ $14=______Youth: $7 #_____@ $7=______Total enclosed for this event: ______Live music by Zim Zum & Israeli folk dancing after services! 6 p.m. Dinner (reservations required); 7:30 p.m Family Shabbat Services; 8:30 p.m. Oneg, Music & Dancing

YES, WE’D LOVE TO ATTEND SCUSY’S LAST CHAMETZ DINNER Thursday, April 17, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: Adult: $10 #_____@ $10=______Youth: $5 #_____@ $5=______Total enclosed for this event: ______

YES, WE’D LOVE TO ATTEND CONGREGATION BETH AMI’S COMMUNITY SEDER Sunday, April 20, 6:00 p.m. Tickets: Please indicate meal for each attendee Member Adult: $40 #_____@ $40=______Chicken ___Brisket ___Vegetarian Member Youth: $20 #_____@ $20=______Chicken ___Brisket ___Vegetarian Maximum per family unit: $100 Non Member Adult: $45 #_____@ $45=______Chicken ___Brisket ___Vegetarian Non Member Youth: $25 #_____@ $25=______Chicken ___Brisket ___Vegetarian Maximum per family unit: $110 Total enclosed for this event: ______

Please contact the office if you have a food allergy or need a vegetarian meal. Reservations must be made one week prior to each event. Reservations made after the deadline will increase by $5 per person. Names of all attendees:______Phone:______Mastercard or Visa #______Expiration Date:______I would like to make contribution to the following event: ______for someone who would otherwise be unable to attend in the amount of $______. Mail/Fax/Bring this form with payment to: Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Phone: 360-3000; Fax: 360-3003

April 2008 • CONGREGATION BETH AMI SHOFAR • page 18 In the Haggadah it is written: “All Who Are Hungry, Let Them Come and Eat!”

FILL A SEDER SACK TO MAKE A PASSOVER MITZVAH AND SEND HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO LOVED ONES

Join with Congregation Beth Ami and Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) in our community-wide mitzvah project to provide Passover food bags to more than 150 of our neighbors in need before the first Seder on April 19. Frances P., one of the few Jewish residents at her retirement home, was Your cash donation will enable JFCS to purchase the matzo, gefilte fish, overjoyed to receive her Seder macaroons, soup, and other foods that volunteers will deliver to Sack and volunteer visit. homebound seniors, people with disabilities, and families in crisis. For many recipients, this is their only opportunity to celebrate Passover and to feel remembered at this time.

It costs $18 to fill one bag. Please help fill one, two, five, or more! We invite you to fill your Seder Sacks in honor or in memory of someone who has been important to you at Passover. JFCS will send a card to acknowledge that a food bag has been purchased in tribute. Use the form below to write the name and address of the person to receive the tribute card, and a brief personal message if you wish. Please respond by April 11. Checks should be made payable to JFCS. Please mail or bring to Congregation Beth Ami, 4676 Mayette Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 attn: Seder Sacks, or donate online at www.jfcs.org. Thank you so much!

HERE IS A DONATION OF $ ______TO FILL (#) _____ SEDER SACKS IN SONOMA COUNTY Your Name: ______Address, City, Zip: ______Your email (to receive online Seder Sacks report ) ______I am paying by: O Check payable to JFCS O MasterCard O Visa Amount $ ______Credit Card # ______Exp. Date.______Signature______(OPTIONAL) MY GIFT IS IN O IN HONOR O IN MEMORY OF ______Send Acknowledgment Card to: ______Send card to this Address, City, Zip: ______

Add this personal message on the card: If you are filling more than one Seder Sack, and would like tribute cards sent to additional people, please use an additional piece of paper. If you would like to volunteer to assemble or deliver Seder Sacks, please call Hilary Hecker at (707) 303-1502. Dated information. Non-Profit Org. Please do not U.S. Postage delay delivery. PAID Permit No. 185 Santa Rosa, CA

April schedule of services Friday Evening, April 4 Sunday, April 20 (Candle Lighting 7:19 pm) 9:30 am First Day Pesach Services 6:00 pm Family Shabbat Dinner 6:00 pm Congregational Seder 7:30 pm Shabbat Evening Services Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David will lead both Services and the Seder Saturday, April 5 • 29 Adar II (Candle Lighting for 2nd Day: 8:34 pm) 9:30 am Shabbat Tazria-HaChodesh Services Potluck luncheon following services Monday, April 21 (Saturday Havdalah: 8:20 pm) 9:30 am Second Day Pesach Services Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David will lead Services Friday Evening, April 11 (Havdalah: 8:35 pm) (Candle Lighting: 7:25 pm) 7:30 pm Shabbat Evening Services Friday Evening, April 25 (Candle Lighting: 7:39 pm) Saturday, April 12 • 7 Nisan 7:30 pm Shabbat Evening Services 9:30 am Shabbat Metzora Services Potluck luncheon following services Saturday, April 26 • 21 Nisan (Saturday Havdalah: 8:27 pm) 9:30 am 7th Day Pesach Services Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David will lead Services Friday Evening, April 18 Kosher for Passover lunch following services (Candle Lighting: 7:32 pm) (Candle Lighting 8th Day Pesach: 8:40 pm) 7:30 pm Shabbat Evening Services Sunday, April 27 • 22 Nisan Saturday, April 19 • 14 Nisan 9:30 am 8th Day Pesach Services 9:30 am Shabbat Acharei Mot-HaGadol Services Yizkor will be recited 10 am Tot Shabbat Rabbi Tsvi Bar-David will lead Services Potluck lunch following services (Havdalah: 8:41 pm) (Candle Lighting for Pesach: 8:33 pm)

If you have need of a minyan (e.g. to say Kaddish), please call the office a week ahead of time